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11/30 Network allows young professionals in Franklin County to connect

Sarah Davis, Chambersburg
Published 2:38 p.m. ET May 28, 2015

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From left to right: Kimberly Clapper, Amy Fisher and Annie Gomez-Shockey are all members of the steering committee of the newly formed young professionals group the 11/30 Network.(Photo: Sarah Davis &#8212; Public Opinion)Buy Photo

CHAMBERSBURG >> Annie Gomez-Shockey is from Franklin County, but after she returned home from law school, she felt she didn't have many social connections left in the area.

She said that is why a young professionals group interested her.

"I was super excited about it because being from here but having gone away to college and coming back, I didn't have much of a social network here," she said. "I was excited to have something to help me meet more people."

That group is the 11/30 Network. It officially launched in February, but organizers recently opened membership to other young adults in the community.

Membership costs $30 per year and is open to people between the ages of 21 and 39 in any job industry.

Amy Fisher, a member of the steering committee and Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, said the group is something the chamber had been interested in doing for awhile.

"Really, with my hire (at the chamber) early last year, they took me on because I had experience in developing a young professionals group," she said. "It was my initiative in coming to this area to launch a group."

Fisher said the purpose of the group is to help young professionals connect with one another to not only benefit socially, but also network with people they might otherwise not have the chance to. In addition, the 11/30 Network gives members opportunities to volunteer in the community.

While Chambersburg may be considered a small town, Fisher said there are still many opportunities for young professionals.

"There has been a lot of growth in Chambersburg," she said. "Sure, it's not a big city, but new businesses are always coming in and people love that small-town charm, and Chambersburg has that."

Mike Ross, president of the Franklin County Area Development Corp. said groups like the 11/30 Network are a good addition to the community.

"It's great to see these young professionals committing to the community and wanting to create a vision for the future," he said. "I think their involvement is both welcome and needed.

The 11/30 Network is having an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. on June 3 at Capital Theatre, 159 S. Main St., where guests will be able to learn more about the group. For more information visit www.chambersburg.org/1130network.